Engineering Mechanics
| Module title | Engineering Mechanics |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT1105 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Andrew Mackenzie Robertson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
Without the careful measurement of hydrostatic forces, structures like the Hoover Dam or the Tamar Bridge could not have been built. This examination of static fluid, which underpins much of civil engineering and mechanical engineering design, is just one of the key areas you will explore on this module.
On this module, you will encounter fluid flow equations and principles, tension compression and learn how to calculate forces from stagnant fluids. In a hands-on laboratory session, you will measure the force from a water jet, heating different surfaces, and then illustrate your results in diagrams.
On completing this module, you will be familiar with the basics of fluid flow principles and conservation laws by which practically all fluid flow problems are solved, you will have an excellent foundation in critical measurement techniques and be proficient in using a hydraulic bench, in this case, equipped with a pump and simple system to measure flow rate.
Prerequisite module: INT1108
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to introduce you to fundamental concepts of solid mechanics and fluid mechanics, separated into two sections (half a term each). For solid mechanics this includes stress/ strain relationships, axial members, rods and beams. For fluid mechanics this covers fluid properties, continuity and energy equations, momentum, and engineering concepts like buoyancy and hydrostatics.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Learn the basic theory and concepts behind statics and hydrostatics; the behaviour of static solid and fluid systems
- 2. Apply principles of statics and dynamics for both solids and fluids to the analysis of simple mechanical systems
- 3. Become familiar with units and magnitudes used in statics and hydrostatics
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand the importance and application of statics and hydrostatics to engineering projects
- 5. Become familiar with the mathematical and analytical concepts required for statics and hydrostatics
- 6. Record and interpret the results of observed practical experiments and demonstrations
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Write clear accounts (of laboratory experiments and demonstrations)
- 8. Carry out directed private study using textbooks and other provided resources
- 9. Demonstrate an awareness of Health and Safety issues applicable to working in a supervised laboratory
- 10. Develop the ability for self-study and monitoring
- 11. Communicate effectively and accurately both orally and in writing
Syllabus plan
Solid mechanics: tension compression and shear forces
Stress
Axial loads
Torsion
Beams
Fluid mechanics: hydrostatics and dynamics.
Pressure and Head
Static Forces on Surfaces
Buoyancy
Continuity of Flow
Momentum Equation
Jet Flow Analysis
Energy Equation
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 96 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 24 | Lectures. These introduce concepts, provide a broad background, introduce methods and give general guidance. |
| Scheduled learning and Teaching activities | 24 | Tutorials. These sessions will explore particular topics in greater depth and provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge by solving problems. |
| Scheduled learning and Teaching activities | 6 | Laboratory sessions. The sessions develop practical skills and awareness of practical application of the subject material. |
| Guided independent study | 96 | Directed reading, assigned problems and web-based activities on ELE will develop learning at a pace appropriate for the individual student. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial examples | In tutorials | 1-3, 5, 11, 12 | Verbal feedback on review |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TMA (Solid mechanics) | 10 | 2 hours | 1-5, 8, 10 | In-class feedback |
| TMA (Fluid Mechanics) | 10 | 2 Hours | 1-6, 8 | In-Class feedback |
| Lab Report | 10 | 2 Hours | 1-3, 5-10 | Verbal feedback |
| Written examination - Closed Book | 70 | 2 Hours | 1-5, 8 | Written feedback on formal submission |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | Written exam (referral) | All | Usually taken in next exam period |
| Written exam | Written exam (deferral) | All | Usually taken in next exam period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Gere, J. and Goodno, B. (2012) Mechanics of Materials, Brief SI edition, Stamford, CT: Cengage, ISBN: 978-1-111-13603-1.
Douglas, J. and Matthews, R. (1996) Solving Problems in Fluid Mechanics, Vol 1, 3rd edition, Harlow: Longman. ISBN: 000-0-582-23987-7
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | INT1103 (Core Engineering (Mechanics and Materials) |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 17/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 21/08/2019 |


